Family Law Attorneys in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Fort Lauderdale divorce, custody, and support cases run through Broward County family court, where preparation matters. A Florida-licensed family law attorney serving Fort Lauderdale will discuss your situation for free.

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How we match your Fort Lauderdale family law case

When you submit a Fort Lauderdale family law matter, we route it through a national network of independent partner firms and put it in front of the one that fits best — based on the kind of case it is, what it is likely to involve, where it has to be handled, and who has capacity to take it on now.

Case type

A family law matter needs someone who handles family law work day to day, not a generalist. Practice area is the first filter.

Size and complexity

Some firms are built for catastrophic injury and multi-party litigation; others resolve straightforward claims quickly. We weigh what your matter is likely to involve against how each firm actually works.

Jurisdiction and licensing

Your matter is decided under Florida law, so it goes to an attorney licensed in Florida who regularly appears where your case would be heard.

Capacity and fit

Availability, conflicts of interest and language all matter. If the best-fit firm cannot take your case, we route it to the next one that can — or tell you plainly when no one in the network is the right answer.

Every partner reviews your case for free. Injury and workers’ compensation matters are handled on contingency — no fee unless you win. Other matters are quoted upfront, before you commit to anything.

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Family Law cases in Fort Lauderdale

More about legal help in Fort Lauderdale →

Family cases in Fort Lauderdale often involve international or out-of-state relocations, seasonal residents, business owners with complicated assets, and parents working irregular hours in hospitality or on boats. Divorce, custody, child support, and alimony matters are heard in Broward County family courts. Florida requires parenting plans that address time-sharing in detail, and property division follows the state’s equitable rules. DearLegal matches you with a Florida-licensed attorney who handles family law cases in Fort Lauderdale, with a free review to help you understand your options.

Divorce and custody cases for Fort Lauderdale families are heard in Broward County court.
Relocation requests, including international moves, are common given the city’s transient and global population.
Yacht crews and hospitality workers often need parenting plans built around irregular schedules.

Florida family law rules at a glance

Fort Lauderdale cases run under Florida law. The full walkthrough — timeline, when to call, case types, and what a recovery can include — is on the Florida page.

Read the full Florida family law guide →

Residency Requirement: 6 months
6 months in Florida (Fla. Stat. § 61.021)
Property Division System: Equitable distribution
Equitable distribution with presumption of equal division (Fla. Stat. § 61.075)
Custody Standard: Time-sharing
Time-sharing and parental responsibility under 20 factors; shared parental responsibility presumed (Fla. Stat. § 61.13)
Child Support Guidelines: Income Shares
Income Shares model (Fla. Stat. § 61.30)
Spousal Support Framework: 50%
2023 reform (SB 1416) — bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, and durational alimony; permanent alimony abolished; duration cap of 50% short, 60% moderate, 75% long-term marriages
Typical attorney fee: Hourly
Hourly / Flat Fee

Exhibit D

How much do Fort Lauderdale family law attorneys cost?

Typical fee schedule

Florida · Family Law

Fee modelHourly / Flat Fee

Feequoted per petition or matter

Filing costsitemized upfront

Case reviewFree

Illustrative only. Your fee terms are set in a written agreement with your attorney and may include costs and expenses regardless of outcome.

Family Law matters in Florida are usually a flat fee per filing — quoted before you commit, not billed by the hour.

Family law cases in Florida are not handled on contingency. Florida Rule of Professional Conduct 4-1.5(f)(3) — patterned on ABA Model Rule 1.5(d) — prohibits contingent fees in domestic relations matters where the fee is contingent on securing a divorce or on the amount of alimony, support, or property settlement. Florida family law attorneys charge hourly (billed against a retainer) or a flat fee for uncontested matters. Courts may award fees under Fla. Stat. § 61.16 based on relative need and ability to pay.

A good attorney walks through every number at your free consultation — before you sign anything.

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Exhibit F

Fort Lauderdale family law questions, answered

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In Broward County court, once at least one spouse has lived in Florida long enough to meet the residency requirement. An attorney will confirm you qualify, prepare the filing, and explain the financial disclosures Florida requires early in the case so there are no surprises later.

Florida has specific rules for relocating with a child a significant distance, usually requiring the other parent’s agreement or court approval. Moving without that can hurt your custody position. An attorney will help you either negotiate an agreement or present a relocation request to the Broward County court.

Florida divides marital property equitably, which usually means roughly equal but not always. Businesses, boats, real estate, and retirement accounts all need valuation. A Fort Lauderdale family attorney will identify what is marital versus separate and work toward a fair division or argue for one in court.

Florida has a 20-day mandatory waiting period from filing before the court can enter a final judgment (Fla. Stat. § 61.19). Uncontested divorces (simplified dissolution if eligible) typically finalize in 30–60 days. Contested cases generally take 6–18 months.

Yes — Florida is a no-fault state. The only grounds under Fla. Stat. § 61.052 are irretrievable breakdown of the marriage or mental incapacity of a spouse for at least 3 years. Fault is generally not a ground but can be relevant to equitable distribution and alimony.